MoU Signed to Boost Digital Trade Readiness of Horticulture Exporters

Pakistan Single Window, PHDEC Sign MoU to Train Horticulture Exporters in Digital Trade

Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the digital trade readiness of Pakistan’s horticulture exporters and processors.

The partnership will focus on helping businesses understand and use digital trade systems, manage export documentation, and navigate regulatory requirements more independently.

Training to Cover Digital Export Procedures

Under the agreement, PSW and PHDEC will organise training sessions, webinars, and workshops covering the practical use of Pakistan Single Window services.

The planned activities will address several areas of export operations, including:

• PSW registration: Helping exporters understand registration procedures and platform requirements.
• Digital trade systems: Training businesses to use relevant digital services in their export operations.
• Documentation and compliance: Improving understanding of export paperwork and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Data protection and privacy: Raising awareness of safeguards for sensitive commercial information.

PHDEC, a government-owned company under the Ministry of Commerce, will lead engagement with the horticulture sector.

Supporting Exporters’ Digital Independence

A central objective of the collaboration is to enable horticulture businesses to manage their PSW registrations and related trade processes independently.

By improving practical knowledge of digital procedures, the initiative aims to help exporters address operational challenges and navigate trade requirements with greater confidence.

PSW Chief Executive Officer Syed Aftab Haider said digital infrastructure delivers its intended benefits when businesses can use it effectively. He described the partnership as a way to connect PSW’s trade facilitation capabilities with the specific needs of horticulture exporters.

PHDEC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Naseer highlighted the importance of understanding export procedures when preparing horticulture businesses for international markets. He said the collaboration combines sector expertise with digital trade knowledge to address operational challenges.

Joint Efforts to Address Sector-Specific Barriers

Beyond training, the agreement will establish a structured channel for identifying barriers that prevent horticulture businesses from adopting digital trade systems.

Both organisations will provide guidance on PSW-related operational issues and explore information sharing in accordance with PSW’s Trade Data Sharing & Exchange Policy.

Joint working groups with equal representation from PSW and PHDEC will coordinate implementation, monitor progress, and periodically assess the initiative’s outcomes.

What the MoU Means for Pakistan’s Horticulture Sector

Pakistan’s horticulture exporters operate in international markets where documentation, regulatory compliance, and reliable trade processes are important to accessing buyers and meeting destination-market requirements.

The partnership is intended to improve exporters’ familiarity with digital trade procedures and strengthen their ability to manage administrative requirements.

However, the agreement’s longer-term impact will depend on implementation, participation in training, and whether businesses can translate the knowledge gained into more effective export operations.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations. Its actual effect on export efficiency and international competitiveness will become clearer as the planned activities progress.

Source: TechJuice, reporting on the PSW–PHDEC agreement.